Jon Merrill, New Jersey Devils’ top prospect decides to return to University of Michigan
American professional hockey player Jon Merrill, who was selected 38th overall in the second round of the 2010 NHL draft and also a top prospect of New Jersey Devils, has decided to go back to his college hockey, as he returns to University of
Michigan.
Detroit News reported on Monday that 20-year-old defenseman finally made his mind to return to Wolverines after he had been thinking for a long time and was unable to make his decision to stay at New Jersey Devils or go back.
Merrill was at New Jersey Devils’ setup for the development camp in July after he was suspended by University of Michigan for last part of the 2011-2012 season. And it looked difficult that he would go to same organisation again.
The 6-foot-3, 209 pounder player started his career with Little Caesars under-18 team in Manitoba East Hockey League (MEHL), U.S National under-18 team in USDP and NAHL, USNTDP in USHL, before playing for Michigan Wolverines in National Collegiate Athletic
Association (NCAA). He has also represented U.S.A Under-18 and Under-20 teams in the respective World Junior Championships.
In 2009 World Junior Championships he played seven games for team U.S.A but could score just one point, which was an assist. But he had a much better World Junior Championships of under-20 in 2010 when he got five points in six games, by scoring one goal
and four assists.
Michigan Wolverines’ head coach, Red Berenson was very happy as he was talking to a newspaper on Monday and told that Jon Merrill would be coming back to them. Jon told him that he would go to play when he would think he is ready for it. And he would wait
for that time, rather than playing in the minor leagues. Berenson said,
"Johnny talked with me this morning and indicated he'll be coming back. He definitely had some dialogue with New Jersey. Jon realized he only played half of the season and he wants to be ready when he makes the move. He wants to be competing for an NHL job
when he does. He doesn't want to be playing in the minors. I think it's the right thing for him."
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